27/08/2023

Price wins back to back titles in Hildesheim as 'The Iceman' defeats Van Veen to win Players Championship 18

A double win for Gerwyn Price this weekend in Hildesheim. 'The Iceman' claimed the title at Players Championship 18 on Sunday evening, after also proving best in Germany on Saturday.

Price beat the emerging Dutch talent Gian van Veen in the final, as the 21-year-old Dutchman reached his second ranking final. Van Veen lost his first final also against Price.

After victories over Jimmy Hendriks (6-2) and Pascal Rupprecht (6-4), the Welshman booked a hard-fought win over Keane Barry (6-5). He then beat James Wade (6-1), Rob Cross (6-0) and Stephen Bunting (7-2) comfortably to reach the final.

Price seals first ProTour title of 2023 with Players Championship 17 triumph over Rock

Van Veen reached the final after victories over Ritchie Edhouse (6-4), Rowby-John Rodriguez (6-1), Gabriel Clemens (6-4), Ian White (6-2), Jeffrey de Zwaan (6-2) and Joe Cullen (7-1). Against De Zwaan and Cullen, Van Veen threw averages of 106 and 105 respectively.

In the final, the small chances missed by Van Veen, were exploited by Price. Van Veen missed the double to finish 130 and 120 in the first two legs, while Price struck twice with 84 and 88 checkouts. In the third and fifth leg, chances were also missed by the Dutchman, however he took the fourth leg with a 90 finish.

However, the score was already 4-1 in Price's favour, who made it 7-1 with a 15-darter and a 68 finish. Price then claimed the victory in Hildesheim with a 14-dart leg in the ninth leg.